Mental Health Needs Real Action

Namibia, like many other nations, is facing serious mental health challenges.

Much has been said and deliberated on the subject, with some individuals and organisations joining the conversation with pure and honest intentions to add value, while others seek quick fixes for commercial gain.

Despite various interventions, this is not a challenge that can be resolved overnight. It will remain an uphill battle unless the root causes contributing to mental health problems are addressed. A holistic approach is therefore required to arrive at a meaningful and sustainable solution.

One critical aspect that has been overlooked by various stakeholders is the plight of those affected by the country’s high unemployment rate. Many Namibians are struggling to survive from hand to mouth and cannot afford a N$200 entrance fee to attend a mental health seminar when their children do not even have bread for school. This issue demands urgent intervention from government, churches and other relevant stakeholders.

It has also been observed that in cases of employee victimisation or bullying, employers often emerge as victors due to their financial advantage. Many unfair dismissal cases are deliberately prolonged for years, wearing down employees emotionally and financially. The government should urgently review its case management processes to ensure fairer and faster resolution of such matters.

Another growing concern is the reactionary approach some companies have adopted by introducing alcohol and drug testing at workplace entrances, resulting in employees’ immediate dismissal if they test positive. This practice fails to consider the underlying causes or circumstances that may have led to such behaviour. Employers should rather seek to understand and address these issues through counselling and wellness interventions.

The growing awareness of mental health has encouraged some state-owned institutions and corporate entities to incorporate mental health into their workplace wellness programmes. This is a positive development, as it helps conserve resources that might otherwise be spent replacing staff lost to mental health-related deaths.

However, much more needs to be done. Workplace victimisation and bullying should be recognised and addressed as health and safety issues. Only by tackling such root causes can we begin to create a truly supportive environment for the mental well-being of all Namibians.

– Carpio Amakali

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